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Murray Canyon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Palm Springs, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Murray Canyon Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike along a creek or stream past palm trees to a waterfall, through a canyon and over rocks.
What runners say about Murray Canyon Trail
“The initial hike through the open scrub desert was less compelling but once you enter into the canyon proper - amazing and beautiful.”
“Def recommend going the Andreas canyon hike too, if you want a more family friendly hike.”
I highly highly recommend the 2-mile (one way) Murray Canyon Trail. This was the highlight of my day! Right away I was greeted by so many blooming wildflowers over the landscape. Once I reached the creek I saw many palms that stretched on for a long distance.
One of the most scenic trails I've ever been to. Highly recommended, expect to get your feet wet, as you will be crossing many different streams, some you would have to step in the water. I wore waterproof hiking boots and it was perfect.
Wonderful hike in Palm Springs! Parking is $9 per adult. Try to get there slightly early, maybe by 10-11am? Mostly ample parking. We just finished the hike in 2 hours (~8000 steps). The first mile was easy, crossed a few oases, nothing super crazy. Once it’s 1.
Fantastic hike! The oasis is amazing and we had a great time on the 4 mile trek. Be prepared for LOTS of stream crossing (loads of water March 13) that have strong currents. You will most likely travel through water 34 times total (out and back).
Trail conditions & character
“The initial hike through the open scrub desert was less compelling but once you enter into the canyon proper - amazing and beautiful.”
“We ended up doing Murray Canyon Trail to seven sisters falls and then looped up another trail and back down towards the parking lot.”
“There is a section about 3/4 of the way in that requires a bit of a scramble/more careful hiking up a relatively steep rocky path.”
“There are a few technical parts for those that have balance issues (crossing water on rocks and climbing over some rock formations).”
“Water level in December is low so it’s relatively easy to do all 28 switchbacks across the stream without getting wet.”
“The adjacent Andreas Canyon trail head had porta potty bathrooms with a water station to wash afterwards, plus picnic tables.”
“The adjacent Andreas Canyon trail head had porta potty bathrooms with a water station to wash afterwards, plus picnic tables.”
Plan your run at Murray Canyon Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Websiteindian-canyons.com
- Phone+1 760-323-6018
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Palm Springs
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Andreas Canyon Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 985 reviews
Featuring palm trees and a stream, this hiking area offers picnic tables and a restroom.
South Lykken Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 reviews
Scenic hiking site featuring steep and rocky paths, along with panoramic city views.
Garstin Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Steep trail leading to 360° views of Palm Springs and the surrounding mountains.
Palm Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 973 reviews
Nature preserve featuring a canyon, palm trees, and pools, plus picnic areas.